Graham Zusi Unboxing His Best Soccer Memories with nbkc bank

Graham Zusi is a Sporting KC legend, former USMNT captain, and beloved member of the Kansas City community. He’s also nbkc bank’s Community Ambassador as Kansas City prepares to host the biggest soccer tournament in the world in just a few months.

We joined Zusi for a trip down memory lane to go through some of his best soccer memories.

Here’s what Zusi found in his unboxing video:

1: The Game Ball From Zusi’s First Goal With the USMNT

Zusi’s first international goal came in his second game with the USMNT. He ripped a shot into the back of the net from the middle of the box. The goal ended up being the game-winner in a 1-0 match.

2: Banners from World Cup Qualifying Matches in Kansas City

It’s traditional for teams to trade banners before competing in international matches. Both of these banners came from games played in Kansas City, and Zusi scored another game-winner in one of these games — this time in front of his hometown crowd.

3: A Gifted and Engraved Bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Zusi’s USMNT teammate Alejandro Bedoya gifted all of the players on the 2014 team a personalized, engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label after the tournament.

4: Zusi’s USMNT “All Access” Pass for Brazil

There’s a lot of security around the World Cup, and even the players need a pass to get around! Zusi still has his 2014 “All Access” pass from Brazil.

5: Zusi’s USMNT Team Captain Armband

Zusi’s leadership on and off the field has been a hallmark of his career. He served as USMNT captain several times — and he still holds onto the armband he wore in his first game as captain.

6: A Signed Jersey from NFL Star JJ Watt

NFL Star JJ Watt visited the team before a qualifying match played in Houston. As an NFL player, Watt has never had the chance to represent his country like Zusi and the other USMNT players. It’s an honor to perform for home and country.

7: A Gifted Jersey from Marcos Rojo

It’s customary for players to swap jerseys after a match — a sign of respect between fierce competitors. In his unboxing video, Zusi shares his jersey from Argentinian star Marcos Rojo.

“Good player,” Zusi said. “Very fast.”

8: A Gift from the German National Team from the 2014 World Cup

The German national team gifted the US players a pennant before their group stage game in Brazil. Germany would go on to win it all in 2014.

9: Dog Tags Gifted from US Military Members After USMNT Game in Florida

This was a gift that meant a lot. Members of the military presented Zusi and his teammates with personalized dog tags ahead of the US game in Florida.

10: 2013 MLS Cup Championship Medal with Sporting KC

I think we all remember this one. On a frigid December afternoon in 2013, Sporting KC bested Real Salt Lake in an epic penalty shootout to win MLS Cup.

11: 2014 FIFA World Cup Medal

And finally — Zusi’s medal from competing in Brazil in 2014.

Graham Zusi and nbkc for 2026 Soccer

Kansas City is only months away from hosting the world’s biggest soccer tournament, and we are thrilled to have Graham Zusi as our Community Ambassador as the city prepares for the world’s biggest sporting event.

If you’d like to keep up with Zusi and nbkc before the tournament, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• nbkc bank’s 2026 Soccer hub: Whether you’re a fan or a local business owner (or both!), we’ve put together everything you need to know for the big tournament. Check it out here.